ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday instructed authorities to intensify efforts against the smuggling and illegal hoarding of petroleum products. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable fuel supply while providing relief to economically vulnerable segments of society.
During a meeting focused on petroleum supply chain management and austerity measures, Sharif reviewed the current strategies to ensure fuel availability despite regional tensions and mounting economic pressures. He called on relevant ministries to collaborate closely with provincial governments and present comprehensive final proposals aimed at curbing unlawful fuel stockpiling and smuggling activities.
In a significant development, the prime minister highlighted that the government had implemented crucial measures over the past three weeks to support low-income groups and pledged to continue these efforts. He noted that through austerity initiatives, reductions in the development budget, and other cost-saving measures, the government had delivered Rs129 billion in relief by preventing further increases in petroleum prices.
Sharif also pointed out that prompt government decisions had secured adequate petroleum reserves to meet domestic demand, reinforcing that providing relief to the public remains the administration’s highest priority.
The meeting included updates on the progress of austerity and savings programs, alongside continuous monitoring of petroleum demand and supply via a digital dashboard. Officials confirmed that the entire supply chain is under regular surveillance to guarantee operational efficiency and transparency.
Attendees comprised several federal ministers and senior officials, including Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, and IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, among others.
